I have always wanted to have a brick BBQ grill in my backyard. I mean, who doesn’t? So, this summer, I finally decided to make it happen. This is the fourth time I have tried to build a brick BBQ grill. Let me tell you, it was quite the project, but totally worth it in the end.
Preparation
First things first, I gathered all the materials. It’s not something that I can just do with a few tools, so I made sure I had plenty of bricks. I opted for firebricks for the inner lining because they can handle the heat like a champ. Regular bricks are fine for the outside, but you really need firebricks where the fire’s gonna be. I also grabbed some concrete, mortar mix, and a few other bits and pieces from the hardware store. And I borrowed a concrete mixer from my neighbor, old man Johnson. It was a lifesaver.
Building the Base
I started by laying out the foundation. I wanted a decent-sized grill, so I measured out a space that was about 700mm x 400mm. I dug a shallow trench and filled it with a layer of concrete. This was going to be the base, so I made sure it was level. I’m no expert, but I used a spirit level to check it, and it seemed pretty good to me.
Constructing the Walls
Once the foundation was set, I started on the walls. I mixed the mortar, which was a bit of a messy job. But, hey, that’s part of the fun, right? I started laying the bricks, one by one. I decided to go for a simple design, nothing too fancy. I built up the walls, leaving an opening at the front for the firebox. On the right side, I added a little extension for a smoker. I thought it would be cool to have a smoker, even though I’ve never smoked anything in my life.
Adding the Grill
After the walls were up, it was time to put in the grill grates. I found some old grates that fit perfectly. I secured them in place with a bit of extra mortar. I also added a few bricks here and there to create a little shelf for the charcoal. I’m not gonna lie; it was starting to look like a proper BBQ grill.
Finishing Touches
The last step was to let everything dry. I waited a few days, just to be sure. Then, I fired it up for the first time. I threw some charcoal in, lit it up, and watched the smoke start to billow out. It was a beautiful sight. I cooked some burgers and hot dogs, and they tasted amazing. There’s something special about food cooked on a grill you built yourself.
So, that’s the story of my brick BBQ grill. It was a lot of work, but I’m really happy with how it turned out. If you’re thinking about building one yourself, I say go for it. It’s a fun project, and you’ll have a great time cooking on it. Plus, you get to impress all your friends and family with your DIY skills. Trust me, the feeling of grilling on something you built with your own hands is unbeatable.
- You are going to need lots of bricks.
- Prepare the materials you need to use.
- Pay attention to the size of the base you need.
- The mortar can get a little messy when mixing.
- A little patience can make a big difference.
